Rolf Mühlethaler is an award-winning Swiss architect whose approach is characterized by a comprehensive analysis of local and historical contexts in combination with a deep conceptual understanding of structural elements, symmetry, simplicity, and repetition. Drawing on more than thirty years of experience—twenty with his own Bern-based firm, Rolf Mühlethaler Architekt—he carefully designs and crafts his buildings with an eye toward balancing these concerns, or creating a fragile order.

Published to accompany an exhibition at Architekturgalerie Luzern, Rolf Mühlethaler—Fragile Order presents the first comprehensive English-language look at Mühlethaler’s complete body of work. The architect has realized projects for both public and private clients, including single- and multi-family residences, schools, studios, and office spaces, as well as conversions of historic industrial buildings. Richly illustrated throughout with photographs that capture all stages of the process, from design sketches to completed projects, Rolf Mühlethaler—Fragile Orderwill be of interest to architects and structural and building engineers.

With an introduction by Toni Häfliger and Martin Schuler and conversations between Rolf Mühlethaler and Silke Langenberg, Tivadar Puskas, Jürg Rehsteiner, and Florian Riegler, moderated and edited by Christoph Schläppi.